Q: How will I know I'm ready for an assessment?
A: Your dashboard will inform you of how much % you have completed for each unit and qualification. Your facilitator will also check from a procedural basis that you are ready. They will ensure you have at least addressed procedurally all the requirements the future engaged RTO assessor will be looking for. This speeds up the process greatly, and ultimately provides you with a better faster outcome when the RTO makes the judgement based on the evidence.

Q: Once the Assessor comes online and is swapped with my facilitator, how does assessment work?
A: Assessment is performed holistically on all units by the RTO. Prior to that assessment is performed holistically on all units by an industry expert engaged by RPL Central, equivalent to that skilled in an RTO. They will give you an opinion as to their professional judgement. After this, you can ask specific questions relating to the RTO's methodologies when you are provided with their formal documentation. External RTO assessors give you up to 3 chances to readdress gaps in your assessment before deciding an opinion or a decision. They will communicate with you still via the system, and will also communicate with relevant third parties etc. Typically the RTO may only call you if they need, but it is important you recognise that this service is distinct from the RPL Central service, so you are free to communicate with the RTO in relation to training alternatives or anything else. It is RPL Central's aim to have the entire process ready for enrolment and certification combined with an assessor's opinion detailed to the extent that the RTO requires before we make the decision that you are ready to enrol in the RTO for certification, and provision of policies, procedures, enrolment etc. This costs the student nothing extra as you are only with the RTO for a very short time as they decide on the professional assessor's advice, the evidence, and/or that of their own judgment.

Q: What is RPL?
A: RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. This means that if you have developed skills or knowledge as part of your working life, through volunteer work or through previous informal courses, then you may be able to use this experience to gain qualifications. Your 'life skills' contribute towards the specific criteria required for a formal qualification (a Certificate or a Diploma for example). Whereas you would normally have to attend a course at a TAFE or other training organisation, the RPL process allows you to gain recognition by providing evidence that you are already competent in particular skills, or within particular work role: you can get your formal qualification without having to go back to school!

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for RPL?
A: Everyone is eligible to apply for RPL. However, the question is have you got the evidence to demonstrate competency? You'll need to satisfy the assessor that you are at the same level as required by the Qualification or unit. It doesn't matter when you developed your skills or developed your knowledge, and it doesn't matter how old you are. And there are a great deal of courses available so your skills will match up to at least one of them. If you can supply proof of your competency, then you are able to apply for formal recognition. Take a look at our SkillSearch® feature to see which qualifications your skills may entitle you to.

Q: How much will my application cost?
A: We have set simple pricing for all Certificate levels. We have also created a 15% price beat guarantee. See our simple pricing page for details.

A: How long before it is all approved and lodged with an RTO?
Once RPL Central have formed the view that you have addressed all the criteria of the course and complied with the system requirements to map evidence, and upon your instruction, the kit is transferred over to an RTO for official assessment and certification. The result, it will either come back to us with feedback or the RTO will award you and offer the free enrolment promptly.

Q: What is the AQF?
A: The AQF stands for The Australian Qualifications Framework. It brings together all of Australia's qualifications into one framework which includes all sectors of education and training. It includes the school, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education (university) sectors in Australia. The AQF link their qualifications together into clear 'learning routes' and provide a 'highly visible, quality-assured national system of educational recognition'. The AQF's aim is to promote 'lifelong learning and a seamless and diverse education and training system'. RPL Central® provides you with the tools to acquire an AQF endorsed qualification on the basis of your skills and experience. AQF endorsed qualifications are the 'benchmark' and are recognised by companies and employers throughout Australia. Further information about the Australian Qualifications Framework can be found here. Your skills, experience and prior learning are likely to be acceptable as evidence towards obtaining a formal qualification. Have a look at our SkillSearch® tool to see which qualifications match your life experiences.

Q: What does the term ‘Nationally Accredited' mean?
A: Nationally Accredited means that a qualification is endorsed by the AQF (see above). The AQF are the 'benchmark' for Australian qualifications. So if you have a ‘Nationally Accredited' qualification, it is recognised throughout Australia and in many other countries around the world. Once you complete our process and we connect you with an RTO/TAFE, you will be able to attain this if competent.

Q: How will gaining a nationally recognised qualification help me?
A: When you have a nationally recognised qualification, it is proof that you have undertaken training to be able to perform well at your job. When you are seeking employment, the qualification will be recognised by potential employers and will improve your chances of securing employment in your chosen field. Employers value employees who can show that they are willing to learn and continue to update their skills and qualifications. Through RPL Central® you can use your work and life experience to help you to get a nationally recognised qualification.
Have a look at the SkillSearch® tool to match your skills and experience to a qualification.

Q: Why apply for RPL rather than undertaking a course?
A: To gain a qualification you would normally attend a course at a TAFE or other training organisation. This is time-consuming and expensive and - if you already have a skill - then you will be ‘re-learning' it. The RPL process allows you to gain recognition by providing evidence that you are already competent in a particular skill or work role. Once you've decided that RPL is the way to go you will acknowledge certain benefits:

Financial

• None of the ongoing fees and costs associated with attending full-time courses
• No travel costs
• A ‘set fee' for your qualification with no hidden extras